What Is The Ceiling Of The 2014 Philadelphia Eagles?

By Ryan Wenzell

Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports

The Philadelphia Eagles over achieved this year by all accounts, there is no doubt about it. If someone would have told me this ball club would be 10-6, win the NFC East and host a playoff game in Chip Kelly‘s first year as head coach, I would have called them crazy. However, that’s exactly what happened.

Despite a below average defense and the loss of one of their premier playmakers in Jeremy Maclin, the Eagles pushed toward the playoffs thanks to some amazing resiliency and Nick Foles establishing himself as a premier quarterback in this league.

A foundation has been built under Kelly. Players both young and old will be held accountable for their actions on and off the field, and being in top shape isn’t up for debate, it is a requirement.

Kelly’s system has proven to work. His offense was in the top 10 in virtually every category, and his sports science philosophies worked wonders, as the Eagles were one of the healthiest teams this season.

The question is, where do they go from here? Kelly said they won’t just be resting on their laurels, and I expect Eagles GM Howie Roseman and company to be active this offseason. The defense needs a boost, specifically in the secondary. Both corner and safety could stand to use an upgrade, and Trent Cole isn’t getting any younger as his days as a premier pass rusher look to be behind him.

The Eagles have work to do, specifically on the defensive end, although the groundwork has been laid. This has a chance to be a special era in Eagles football. With a few more pieces, Kelly may have the ability to dominate the NFC East for a long time.